Many builders and renovation specialists choose masonite siding because it looks like wood without many of wood's headaches — particularly swelling, shrinking or blistering. Commonly known as hardboard or composite wood siding, masonite siding costs a fraction of its wood counterpart and, unlike past masonite products, is engineered with improved termite and moisture resistance.

Masonite boards come manufactured in a variety of different ways and under a variety of different names, which can get confusing at times. Look for answers to the following three questions when gathering masonite siding information:

1. What product selections does the masonite siding provider offer?

2. Are there sub-contractors in your area to install masonite siding?

3. What type of masonite siding suits your needs?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Ensure the masonite siding product selections adequately meet your building needs

The masonite siding list is fairly short when it comes to manufacturers of the product. Fortunately this is not the case, however, when it comes to product selection. Everything you need to cover the exterior of a building, from planks to shingles to corner pieces to soffit pieces, you can get with masonite siding.

I recommend: Cox Lumber provides a brief synopsis of various masonite siding manufacturers and their product selections. Collins carries masonite siding under the name TruWood in a variety of styles from planks to shingles.

Find masonite siding experts in your area willing to sub-contract with you

All siding is not created equal, and not all contractors install all types of siding. Make sure your sub-contractors have experience with masonite siding before bringing them on board, as improper installation can lead to moisture problems.

I recommend: ServiceMagic and Guide to Siding both provide an easy online form. Once complete, a list will be generated of appropriate masonite siding contractors in your area.

Decide which type of masonite siding suits you or your clients

Masonite siding can be purchased in a variety of different forms -- pre-stained, pre-finished, pre-treated and pre-painted. Your choice will depend on the personal taste of your clients and perhaps your operating budget. Whichever you choose, make sure the masonite provider you select carries it.

I recommend: Louisiana-Pacific offers a line of pre-treated masonite siding marketed under their trademark name LP SmartSide. With Patton General Contracting's Crane CedarRidge D7 you or your customers can choose from 13 colors of pre-painted and pre-finished masonite siding.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you or your clients are interested in staying away from wood altogether, consider a more eco-friendly alternative to masonite siding. Although more expensive to install, fiber cement or vinyl sidings are made without wood products. They can also withstand harsher elements and require no maintenance.